“Not unless it was since I’ve been outdoors.”
Picking up the bag of salt, Mrs. Weems followed Penny into the house. Without removing coat or hat, the girl dialed the Star office. Editor DeWitt answered.
“Has Dad arrived there?” Penny asked abruptly.
“No, he hasn’t returned. Anything wrong?”
Tersely Penny revealed what had occurred. The news shocked the editor for he bore Mr. Parker a genuine affection.
“Now don’t you worry,” he tried to cheer her. “Your father can’t be badly hurt or he never would have walked away from that accident. Just sit tight and our reporters will locate him for you.”
During the next hour Penny and Mrs. Weems remained near the telephone. Each moment they waited, their anxiety increased. Mr. DeWitt did not phone. There was no word from the police station. They refused to believe that Mr. Parker had been seriously injured, yet it seemed strange he could not be found.
“It’s not like him to allow anyone to worry,” declared the housekeeper. “I simply can’t understand why he doesn’t call to relieve our minds.”
Just then the telephone bell jingled. Penny snatched the receiver from its hook.
“DeWitt speaking,” said the familiar voice of the editor.